COUNSELLING, WALKING THERAPY AND EQUINE/ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY NEAR ALTON & WINCHESTER, HAMPSHIRE
About Me
I came into this work through a deep interest in people & the challenges we can face in life. Before training as a counsellor, I spent 5 years working in a day centre for people experiencing homelessness. During that time, I saw how much of a difference it can make when someone feels truly heard & supported, even in the most difficult circumstances. That experience led me to train as a counsellor.
Since then, I've worked in a range of settings, including the NHS (Drug & Alcohol Team), private practice, supported accommodation, equine-assisted therapy & more recently in alternative education, supporting neurodiverse young people & those who have experienced developmental trauma.
These experiences shape how I work today. I take a trauma-informed approach and place great importance on building a safe, trusting relationship where you can feel at ease & able to talk openly, without fear of judgement.
Alongside talking therapy, I also offer animal-assisted & equine-assisted therapy. Many people find that the presence of animals can help them feel calmer, more grounded & supported
My qualifications to date include:
Certificate in Counselling
Diploma in Person Centred Counselling
First Class BA Hons in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy
Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGALA) Part 1 and 2 Training
Athena Herd Level 2 Certificate in Equine Facilitated Learning
Diploma in Animal Assisted Interventions
Therapy
A space to feel heard, understood & accepted.
You may be here because something in life feels difficult, overwhelming or simply not quite right. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step & it is important to know that you don't have to face things on your own. I offer a calm, safe & supportive space where you can talk openly & feel truly heard.
My sessions are grounded in the person-centred approach, which means that our sessions are led by you & what feels important to bring. I will listen without judgement & together, we can gently explore whatever is going on for you, at your pace & begin to make sense of it.
I also offer animal-assisted therapy, where appropriate. The presence of animals can help you to feel more at ease & supported, especially when talking about difficult or overwhelming experiences.
Over time, therapy can help you to develop a greater self-awareness, self-acceptance & confidence. This often leads to positive changes in your well-being, your relationships & how you move forward in your life.
I work with a range of issues such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders), Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Bereavement, Health-related issues, anxiety, depression, abuse, addictions, anger, child-related issues, relationships & personal growth.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Using Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is considered beneficial since animals have a natural tendency to create a bond with people. This approach often helps therapists overcome some limitations of traditional therapy that relies on talking. The act of stroking an animal has been proven to have physiological & psychological benefits for people who struggle with emotional regulation. Animals live in ‘the moment’ - they are not concerned with yesterday or tomorrow - this can encourage us to practice 'mindfulness'.
Walk and Talk Therapy
Some people may find the thought of face to face counselling indoors, in a relatively confined space, very uncomfortable. So, Walk & Talk Sessions may be a helpful alternative. Nature has the capacity to calm, energise & inspire us. Walk & Talk sessions are based on this belief. Walking with a therapist who is able to listen & help you make sense of your emotional problems, can encourage a new & perhaps less intense experience of therapy.
"Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished" - Lao Tzu
Equine Assisted Therapy
No matter our background or experiences we respond to horses. Horses are very receptive & their response will give us useful information about ourselves & the people we are working with. Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) provides an honest, reflective, relational context in which clients can identify their behaviours & patterns. Horses are highly attuned & can offer safe reflection & compelling feedback for fears & anxieties – being with a horse can help us understand what is going on inside more readily than hours of talking. Ultimately, the confidence & skills developed during Equine Therapy are transferable to relationships with family & friends. This work is based on the ground with horses & not ridden.
"Throw away the idea that you need to pause your life until you are fully healed, this is a different way of being attached to perfection. Progress happens when you make better decisions in the midst of living. You can simultaneously heal your past while being open to the present."
Yung Pueblo
"You can feel it when a person has overcome serious challenges in life and has transformed into a better version of themselves. Their vibe is striking and their confidence has a special glow."
Yung Pueblo
My location
Inside Out Therapy is based in a lovely village set in the South Downs National Park in North Hampshire (near Alton) - from here I am able to offer 'Room Based Therapy', 'Animal Assisted Therapy' & 'Walk & Talk Therapy'. My 'Equine Assisted Therapy' practice is based in Newton Valence (a small village between Alton and Winchester).
I currently work with adults & young people aged 14 upwards.
Fees & availability
I offer a 30-minute initial assessment for therapy at a cost of £30, where we can explore what you are hoping to gain out of counselling & whether we feel comfortable working together. The number of sessions people require can vary greatly - I can offer short-term & long-term therapy. If we agree to commence counselling, my sessions are 50 minutes and start at £65 for individuals & £80-100 for couples & families. Equine Therapy is £100 for individuals, with an additional cost for couples or families.
Get in touch
I understand that choosing a therapist can feel like a big step & finding the right fit matters.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you & whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07956412504 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any questions you may have before arranging an initial appointment.
All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential & uses secure phone & email services.
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